CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Senior Airman Donald Speller is a member of the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron and has been stationed at Charleston AFB for more than two years.
He is currently deployed to the Middle East where he is assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron.
In his deployed unit, Airman Speller's primary duty is to manage, inventory and supply protective equipment for deployed service members. While deployed, he maintains the Air Force's largest expeditionary theater distribution center, outfitting 23,000 deployed members with vital gear. His contributions also led to the 379 ELRS winning its wing-level "Grand Slam Award" for September and October.
"Airman Speller consistently displays the utmost professional behavior and accepts all challenges with a positive attitude and meticulous detail," said Staff Sgt. John Seben, 379 ELRS expeditionary theater distribution center supervisor. "He displays great initiative and is extremely proactive in getting the job done. He clearly exceeds all expectations set forth on him, while setting an admirable example for his peers."
While at Charleston AFB, Airman Speller is assigned to the 437 LRS as a supply management journeyman and is responsible for all due-in maintenance parts on-hand at Charleston, ensuring the parts are sourced to the proper functions for maintenance. Additionally, he assists in the repair and transfer of C-17 tires for various Air Force bases.
"It's different than my deployed life in a sense that I feel I have a greater responsibility here with dealing with equipment that actually saves the lives of all individuals deploying," Airman Speller said. "[The assignments] are the same in a sense that no matter the level of responsibility difference, I feel I am impacting the Air Force in the best possible way I know how."
While deployed, Airman Speller said he has enjoyed playing on the intramural basketball team for his squadron, making it all the way to the base championship. He also actively participates in a program to boost morale with the help of a fellow Airman.
"We set up a time and place for individuals around the squadron to get together and watch football on Sunday nights. We have food, drinks and games," he said. "It has affected morale in a positive way for the duration of the deployment."
This "warrior of the week" hails from Norfolk, Va., and joined the Air Force four years ago. He said his goals are to complete his college degree in business management, progress as high as possible in the enlisted ranks and impact the Air Force as greatly as possible.
According to Airman Speller, his favorite aspect of his career is the opportunity to positively impact the mission and goals of the Air Force from Charleston AFB or an overseas assignment. He said he feels his greatest contribution to Team Charleston's mission is accomplished by representing his team with professionalism, honor and discipline at his deployed base.
"This deployment has been the first time I've deployed during the holidays. It wasn't really a bother to me at all, being that all the individuals I was associated here with were pretty tight and we sort of created a bond," he said. "That sure made it easier for me. It was different of course because I was away from my actual family and got me away from my usual holiday plans. I was here spending it with my military family as opposed to be home with my family."